This Year’s Boating Season Brings New Changes to the Coast Guard Station in Essexville

Starting in the beginning of May, the Coast Guard in Essexville station will be classified as a scheduled mission station. This decision comes from low recruitment numbers, leading to staff shortages. Members of the coast guard will work 40-hour work weeks, with additional hours for events such as Tall Ship Celebration and the Fourth of July. Coast Guard stations originating from Traverse City, Tawas, or Detroit may respond to emergencies in the Bay Area depending on the type of call.

Local resources in the bay area will be responsible for a large portion of the Saginaw Bay as well as Kawkawlin and Saginaw rivers. Bay City and Bangor fire departments have signed an automatic aid agreement with Bay City Public Safety, any water or ice rescue, central dispatch will inform both departments. According to Bangor Township Fire Chief, Michael Galloner, the sheriff’s department is also working with the Bangor Township fire department to train and respond with the Marine Patrol Division.